Grimes Likely An Off-Season Priority For Fins

HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 17: Brent Grimes #21 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after making a first quarter interception against the Houston Texans during a preseaon game at Reliant Stadium on August 17, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

(Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

DAVIE (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins defense struggled through much of 2013, but the team did have one shining star on the defense: cornerback Brent Grimes. And in news that is music to Dolphins fans ears, he said he wants to stay with Miami.

The Dolphins took a chance on Grimes last year as he was recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. Grimes signed a one-year, $5 million contract with Miami and proceeded to exceed all expectations and turn in a Pro Bowl season in 2013.

The Dolphins will have to pay Grimes like a top corner to keep him in the fold, but the Pro Bowler said he likes it in Miami.

“I like the players and it’s a good team,” Grimes told ESPN.com. “Obviously we didn’t finish how we wanted to and close out the season well. But I just let my agents handle everything. If they want to keep me here, they’ll see how it goes.”

Working against Grimes is he’s thirty-years-old, but he’d still draw plenty of interest and likely be a top free agent if the Fins didn’t re-sign him.

Complicating matters for Miami is the cost of keeping Grimes. The Fins can hit Grimes with the franchise tag to keep him one more season. But, since Grimes has been franchised in the past; giving him the tag again will cost even more than usual.

Still, Grimes is one of Miami’s most popular players and helped get the Dolphins to the cusp of the playoffs in 2013 and bringing him back will be a priority for the team.